"TARZAN OF THE APES."

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 195, 20 August 1919, Page 5

"TARZAN OF THE APES."

The author of "Tarzan of tlie Apes," weird story from which the picture shown at His Majesty's last night is taken, in his introductory chapter says:. "If you do not find it credible you will at least be as one with me in acknowledging that ifc is unique, remarkable, and interesting." Unique and interesting the story certainly is, but it is in the picture production that incredibility faces the looker-on. Anyone can dream a bad nightmare, and it requires only literary ability to write it down in a book; but to live the story before the camera requires something that only a few actors possess—courage allied to Herculean strength and a thorough acquaintance with the wild beasts of the earth. These are the- qualities that Mr' Lincoln, tho matured Tarzan of the picture, must surely possess, else he could not have given to the world such a remarkable characterisation. The picture has beeri^ termed "a marvel of illusory photography," a suggestion apparently of "fake^" Probably so, but it is a "fake" that by its very realism makes it a triumph of cinematographic art. Not alone to Mr Lincoln is due the honors, but the Tarzan of the boyhoqd period is taken by a very clever kiddie. The picture does not follow the book The picture does not follow the book in its entirety; and there are some changes in tho plot of the story as the author imagined it; but the main idea is kept in view all through. AViliiam Clayton, the aristocratic cousin, in the picture is made into a cowardly cad, whereas in the story he is something altogether different. There are many exciting incidents, notably the fight between Tarzan and a giant black for the white girl (in the story the kidnapper is an anthrapoid) and the death-struggle with Sab or, the" lion, at the hut.' The wliolo picture is crammed full of excitement, and there is some beautiful photography of jungle" growth, and wild life. "Tarzan of the Apes", •will be shown again to-night.